Veterans Launch Annual Food Drive

The Fifth Annual Clarke County Veterans Food Drive will be held during the month of July to benefit the FISH Food Pantry and the Blue Ridge Food Bank Network. It is sponsored by American Legion Post 41 and VFW Post 9760. Over the past three years, this effort by our local veterans has collected over 4,000 pounds of food which has provided over 3,000 meals to hungry people in need.

The need has never been greater than it is today, and the cupboards at our food banks are bare. You can help by donating a non-perishable food product.

During the month of July, collection barrels will be available at these Berryville locations: Dollar General Store, 20 South Church Street; VFW Post 9760, 425 South Buckmarsh Street; and Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 210 East Main Street. Please do not include anything perishable, frozen, or in glass containers.

If you prefer, you can make a cash donation that will be used to purchase food items for the Food Bank. Make checks payable to: American Legion Post 41, P.O. Box 507, Berryville, VA 22611; or VFW Post 9760, 425 South Buckmarsh Street, Berryville, VA 22611.

July was chosen because it is the slowest month of the year for food donations to the Food Bank. With vacations and many summertime activities scheduled, food donations are just not at the top of everyone’s list. However, those in need have a need in July, just like every other month of the year.

For more information, please contact Tom Bundy at 955-5650 or at TimothyLLC@aol.com.

How about collection points at local events. It works for Frank Jurney; he designates two consecutive shows and uses his bully mic skills to prod the crowd at the Bluegrass Concert series to contribute.

Maybe a local band could do a concert at the downtown Berryville gazebo where the only admission was a food donation.

The park pool could give half off to every swimmer who donates.

FISH is a truly worthy cause. I’m off to the pantry to look for stuff. I trust that all the CDN readers will do the same.